My New Credenza

I hope you guys are enjoying your summer, it’s so hot here I just am wondering what has happened to my nice 83 degree days! I guess I shouldn’t complain, but it’s been pretty miserable trying to clear out the garage in this heat… So I’m coming inside to write this post and it’s a much needed break! I finished this project a couple of weeks back, but with all of the new job and moving stuff going on I hadn’t written it up, so here it goes…
I knew exactly what I was looking for when I found this credenza,I thought it was just perfect! It had file drawers and a small cabinet and just the right style… be prepared for some AWESOMENESS people!

Are you underwhelmed or what? Trust me on this one, not only was the credenza only $36 but I knew with a little TLC it would be perfect!

So we did a little of this…

We added 2×4’s to the underside so we could attach legs… we picked these legs up at Home Depot. I just screwed them right into the wood after predrilling the holes, super easy.

and we attached a little of this… small trim I hand cut with my miter box and applied with Loctite.

Oh, yes the small trim added just the right amount of detail to the fronts of those super plain drawers. I also filled in the old screw holes with wood putty in preparation for the new hardware.

We primed it too… this was pine with knots, I wasn’t about to apply a bunch of coats of paint just to control bleed through… I’ve learned my lesson the hard way! I ALWAYS prime mahogany and pine…

I added some “new” hardware, well actually the bin pulls are new, but the ring pull is from my grab bag of vintage knobs that I’ve had to remove from other pieces, the finish match is PERFECT! The paint is Cabinet Coat tinted in Stonington Gray, it’s about the lightest gray I have ever worked with and I adore it!

AFTER

Just the right amount of storage for me! I have home files on one side and my business “stuff” on the other…

My beautiful vintage ring pull…

The gorgeous bin pulls that I want to use EVERYWHERE!

Now I have this fabulous “command center” in my office and I couldn’t be happier with the finished product! If you missed the Study tour please hop on over and take a look at the rest of the room!

What do you think, do you like the new and improved credenza? Would you have bought this piece?

Mary you are so wonderful! I wish I was staying just to get to know you better!thank you for your offer, I may just take you up on it! As for the credenza, I’m sorry but it’s a keeper… a badly needed one too 😉

You have such vision!! Seriously! I don’t think I would have seen the beauty and would have passed it by. So adore this transformation and thanks for another paint color to add to my list of must have’s!!

As everyone else, I really love the transformation and that color gray is perfect! I am inspired to work on some pieces of furniture I have been putting off for a long time. Thank you so much for sharing! Janice

Loved your work! You inspired me too re-do an antique dresser. Did you sand yours before painting? I just applied a first coat of primer and it went on really streaky. I’m wondering if I should have sanded through the old varnish first.

What a beautiful makeover – love the fact that you introduced the ‘feet’ and the trim and the ‘bin pulls’ – makes a beautiful ‘Command Centre’. Love the light grey too 🙂 Can you please advise what make of paint this is? 🙂

I have similar bedroom furniture that I inherited from my parents. It is all wood construction with tongue and groove drawers. Been thinking of doing this…now I am totally inspired to tackle this project this summer.

Hi, I love your project and am so glad you posted it. I just brought home a 1970’s dresser that I plan to transform into bathroom storage. I had planned to attach bun feet, but when I got it home I realized it has a “hollow bottom” like yours. How did you attach the 2x4s without making it too obvious from the outside of the piece? Thanks!

Hey Kristin,
Thanks so much! Attaching the 2×4’s was pretty easy, we flipped the piece over and glued and screwed the 2×4’s to the wood base that was there. The 2×4’s were placed on the very edge of the either side of the credence and went from the front to the back. I hope this helps! If you have any more questions just ask! Good luck with your project.